Decision details

8.1

The report sought approval for a revised Local Development Scheme (LDS) (which set out the development plan documents that SCC will prepare and consult on and the timetable for producing them) and to secure the bringing into effect of the LDS on 21 October 2021. 

The report also set out the process for engaging with Members on the overall spatial options, with the aim of reaching agreement on a preferred approach by January 2022 (in advance of producing the Publication Draft Sheffield Plan; to be published for public consultation in October 2022).

Approval was also sought for the establishment of a new Sheffield Plan Member Working Group to provide an ongoing political steer for officers on the content of the Plan.

11.2

RESOLVED: That Co-operative Executive:-

1. approves the revised Local Development Scheme attached as an Appendix to this report;

2. resolves that it is to have effect from 21 October 2021;

3. agrees to the LDS being published on the Council’s website;

4. approves the process for cross-party engagement with Members on the overall spatial options; and

5. approves the establishment of a new Sheffield Plan Member Working Group, with membership drawn from the Climate Change, Economy and Development Transitional Committee

8.3

Reasons for Decision

8.3.1

As explained in the report, the local planning authority is legally required to produce a Local Development Scheme and keep it up to date and so the recommendations in this report are made to secure compliance with that statutory requirement.  The LDS sets the timetable for delivery of a new Local Plan, which will be designed to contribute towards securing a strong economy, thriving neighbourhoods and communities, improving health and wellbeing, addressing inequalities across the city, mitigating and adapting to climate change and increasing biodiversity.

8.3.2

The changes to national planning policy and practice guidance mean it is appropriate to allow more time for the new administration to consider the overall spatial options.  Officers require a clear political steer on the preferred broad approach before the details can be worked in the full Publication Draft Plan and before public consultation takes place in autumn 2022.

8.3.3

Establishment of a new cross-party Sheffield Plan Member Working Group will enable officers to obtain an ongoing political steer on the content of the Plan in advance of the Plan being submitted to Government for public examination.

8.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

8.4.1

The preparation, bringing into effect and revision of a Local Development Scheme are statutory requirements and in that regard there is no alternative option.  Otherwise the Secretary of State can prepare an LDS and direct the local planning authority to bring it into effect and the Council would have very little, if any, input into that.  However, the time periods allocated to each stage of the process in the revised LDS have been carefully considered.  It is important that timely progress is made but it is equally important that the timetable can be adhered to.  The time periods included in the revised LDS are considered to be the most appropriate and realistic. 

8.4.2

In the proposed revised LDS, we have allowed for additional time after submission of the Plan because experience elsewhere suggests that the process from the date of submission to adoption typically takes 18-24 months.  Given the size of Sheffield and the number of sites that are likely to be the subject of representations at examination, we believe that a period of 20 months is a reasonable estimate for that stage in the process.

8.5

Any Interest Declared or Dispensation Granted

None

8.6

Reason for Exemption if Public/Press Excluded During Consideration

None

8.7

Respective Director Responsible for Implementation

Interim Executive Director, Place

8.8

Relevant Scrutiny and Policy Development Committee If Decision Called In

Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee